Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur is brushing off concerns about his Australian Open preparation after a surprising straight-sets loss to Norway's Casper Ruud in Sydney.
A Subdued Start on Home Soil
The world number seven cut a frustrated figure during Australia's opening United Cup tie against Norway on Saturday night, falling to a 6-3, 6-3 defeat. This marked de Minaur's first career loss to Ruud, the world number 12, in their three ATP Tour meetings.
The 26-year-old Sydneysider, who will spearhead local hopes at Melbourne Park later this month, acknowledged an uncharacteristically error-prone performance. He struggled notably on his second serve, a traditional strength, committing eight double faults against an opponent he described as "super aggressive."
Searching for Rhythm in Night Conditions
"It's not really part of my DNA to throw in so many faults," de Minaur admitted post-match. He pinpointed the evening conditions as a factor, saying the heavier ball affected his rhythm. "I felt like I wasn't able to get that feeling on my serve of kicking in, which in the past I've had no problem doing."
Despite conceding the first three games in a blistering 12-minute opening stanza, de Minaur insisted he was in a positive mental space. "I was in a good mindset, and even after the match, I'm able to process this match correctly," he said.
Looking Ahead: The Czech Challenge and Open Hopes
The focus now shifts to recovery and refinement. De Minaur is next slated to face the Czech Republic's rising star, world number 19 Jakub Mensik, in Australia's next United Cup tie on Tuesday.
He remains philosophically upbeat about using the team event as a springboard. "Look, at the end of the day, it's not life or death," de Minaur reflected. "I've had numerous times when I've lost the first match of the year, and then come out and have found my tennis straight away. Ultimately, season's back on, so hopefully, I can flip that switch."
In other results from the Norway tie, veteran Storm Hunter stepped in for the ill Maya Joint to win her women's singles match before combining with John-Patrick Smith in the mixed doubles to secure a 2-1 team victory for Australia. The team hopes Joint will recover in time to face Czech star Barbora Krejcikova in the upcoming round.
